Winning Mega Millions jackpot ticket sold in SC

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - Mega Millions officials confirmed early Wednesday morning that the only winning Mega Millions jackpot ticket was sold in South Carolina.

The jackpot measured at $1.6 billion, the largest in U.S. history headed into Tuesday night. A one-time cash option would give the winner $913 million.

The retailer hasn’t been released yet, but will be once security checks on the ticket have been completed, according to South Carolina lottery spokeswoman Holli Armstrong.

In order to win, a player needed to match all five numbers plus the Mega ball.

“The moment we’ve been waiting for finally arrived, and we couldn’t be more excited,” Gordon Medenica, Lead Director of the Mega Millions Group and Director of Maryland Lottery and Gaming said. “This is truly a historic occasion. We’re so happy for the winner, and we know the South Carolina Education Lottery can’t wait to meet the lucky ticket holder."

The $1.6 billion beat the previous Mega Millions record of $656 million set in March 2012. The jackpot now rolls back over to $40 million for Friday night’s drawing.